I've stated quite a few times on ET that entitlements are looming very big. A good example of one that is not looming but has done it's work already, and continues to do so is the federally mandated entitlement of everybody to medical care at emergency rooms without any federal money to pay for it. 85 hospitals in California are out of business and it's not slowing down that I know of.. that is a picture of the future, the big money guys want the US standard of living lowered to meet the third world standard of living and they will get their way. Personally, I don't measure things materialistically but I am preparing to go "off the grid" pretty much regarding energy, health care, etc. I like being "on the grid" a lot, it's fun, it's good for everybody to some extent, but it is also good to think about the realities of the future.